Loves Ones Say Goodbye to American Idol's Michael Johns

A small group of loved ones gathered for a private ceremony in memory of American Idol finalist Michael Johns at Los Angeles's Forest Lawn Memorial Park on Friday

Johns's family began traveling from his native Australia to be with his wife, interior designer Stacey Vuduris, shortly after they learned of the singer's sudden death from a blood clot on Aug. 1.

Johns is expected to be cremated and taken back to Australia.

Last week, friends and colleagues paid their respects to the singer, 35, as soon as the sad news spread.

"He was something special," close friend Kevin Haaland told PEOPLE.

Former Idol judge Simon Cowell agrees. He Tweeted, "A truly great guy. Rest in peace," while the show's mentor Randy Jackson Tweeted, "So Sad. Too soon. Thank you for sharing your talents with us."

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